Polymerization process

ABSTRACT

Homopolymers of conjugated dienes and copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds having an elastomeric character are prepared by use of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of (a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements with (b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 788,031, filed Apr. 15, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,210 which application Ser. No. 788,031 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 659,905, filed Feb. 20, 1976 (now abandoned).

The present invention relates to a process of producing homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds.

From British Pat. No. 1,246,914, it is already known to prepare in solution homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds by means of organometallic compounds of an alkaline earth metal of the formula M¹ M² R¹ R² R³ R⁴ in which M¹ represents calcium, barium, or strontium, M² represents zinc or cadmium, and R¹, R², R³, R⁴ represent a hydrocarbon radical. The polymers obtained have a very low intrinsic viscosity of between 0.24 and 0.62.

It is known (Chemical Abstracts, Vol. 78; 85 514 (1973) and RAPRA No. 23 738 L (1974)) to prepare in a hydrocarbon reaction medium homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds by means of organometallic compounds of an alkaline earth metal and aluminum. However, the polymers obtained by this process, like the polymers mentioned above, have a very low intrinsic viscosity and, therefore, do not have elastomeric properties which are sufficient to permit their use as the principal component of mixtures serving for the manufacture of tires. Furthermore, such a process of manufacture cannot be applied industrially due to the very low homopolymerization or copolymerization reaction velocity.

Finally, it is widely known that the organo-metallic compounds of aluminum have an extremely low or even zero intrinsic catalytic activity and that they are not considered initiators for the homopolymerization or copolymerization of conjugated dienes.

The applicant has discovered a new process which makes it possible industrially to obtain within relatively short times and with good yield homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds having an elasticity similar to rubber and which can be used in the manufacture of pneumatic tires.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is a process for the homopolymerization of conjugated dienes or the copolymerization of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds to form elastomeric products which comprise reacting the monomers at a temperature between 50° C. and 120° C. in the presence of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of

(a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements having one of the following formulas:

Me¹ Me³ R¹ R² R³ R⁴

Me² (Me³ R¹ R² R³ R⁴)₂

Me³ R¹ R² R³

Me¹ O Me³ R¹ R²

in which Me¹ represents an alkali metal, Me² represents an alkaline earth metal, Me³ represents a metal of Group IIIA, R¹, R² and R³ represent an alkyl or aralkyl radical and R⁴ represents an alkyl or aralkyl radical or a radical XB in which X represents an oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom and B represents an alkyl or aralkyl radical, or a radical Me³ (R⁵ R⁶) in which R⁵ and R⁶ represent an alkyl or aralkyl radical; with

(b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom selected from the group consisting of aprotic polar compounds, protic polar compounds and compounds formed of the reaction product of protic polar compounds with an alkali metal or with an alkaline earth metal.

The applicant has surprisingly found that the reaction product of compounds which, taken alone, are not initiators of the homopolymerization or of the copolymerization of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds or which have only an extremely low intrinsic initiating activity constitutes an intitiating catalytic system for the homopolymerization of conjugated dienes or the copolymerization of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds which can be used industrially as elastomers.

The organometallic compounds of a metal of Group IIIA which are particularly suitable as a component of the catalytic system are those in which the alkali metal is lithium, sodium, or potassium, those in which the alkaline earth metal is magnesium, calcium, strontium or barium, and those in which the metal of Group IIIA is boron, aluminum, gallium, indium or thallium. By way of example, the following compounds can be mentioned: Al(Ch₃)₃, Al(C₂ H₅)₃, Al(i-C₄ H₉)₃, Li [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ], Na[Al (C₂ H₅)₄ ], K[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ], Li [Al(C₂ H₅)₃ O C₂ H₅ ], Li [Al(C₂ H₅)₃ O Al(C₂ H₅)₂ ], Mg [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂, C₂ H₅ Mg Al (C₂ H₅)₄, Ca [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂, Sr [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ , Ba [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂, Ba [Al(C₂ H₅)₃ O C₂ H₅ ]₂, Ba [Al-(iso C₄ H₉)₄ ]₂, Li O Al(C₂ H₅)₂, Na O Al(C₂ H₅)₂, B (CH₃)₃, B (C₂ H₅)₃, Li B(C₂ H₅)₄, Li B(C₂ H₅)₃ C₄ H₉, Ga(C₂ H₅)₃, In(C₂ H₅)₃, Tl(C₂ H₅)₃.

By way of examples of aprotic polar compounds, there are especially suitable the ethers and particularly the cyclic ethers, such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, as well as the corresponding thioethers, such as thiodiisobutyl; the tertiary amines, such as N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMED); the aromatic amines and in particular the pyridine derivatives, such as 4-methylpyridine, and the corresponding oxides; phosphorous compounds, such as the phosphines and their oxides, the phosphites, the phosphoramides and in particular hexamethylphosphorotriamide (HMPT); the ketones and particularly acetone; the nitriles and particularly acetonitrile; the aldehydes; the esters; the amides; the nitro-aliphatic or aromatic compounds; the sulfoxides and particularly dimethyl sulfoxide; the sulfones; and the sulfites.

As protic polar compounds there are suitable in particular water; the alcohols and particularly methanol; the primary or secondary amines; the phenols; and the thiols.

As compounds formed of the reaction product of protic polar compounds with an alkali metal or with an alkaline earth metal there are particularly suited the alcoholates and phenates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, such as lithium isopropylate, barium nonylphenate and sodium or potassium tert-amylate; the alkali metal or alkaline earth metal mercapto and thiophenates; as well as the ether-alcoholates and amine-alcoholates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, such as the lithium alcoholate of ethyl diglycol and lithium N,N-diethylamino-2-ethanolate.

The organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA and the electron-donor compound or compounds can be introduced into the reaction medium either individually in any order or preformed. In accordance with the second variant, the catalytic system is "preformed" by mixing the various components and then bringing the mixture to a temperature of between 20° C. and 100° C. for 5 to 60 minutes.

The two components of the catalytic system can be used in variable proportions but it is preferably to use them in proportions such that the molar ratio of the electron donor compound or compounds to the organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA is between 0.01:1 and 100:1. For a given concentration of organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA, a modification of the value of the molar ratio may modify both the intrinsic viscosity and the microstructure of the polymer formed as well as the polymerization and copolymerization reaction velocity. Among the organometallic compounds of a metal of Group IIIA organo-aluminum compounds are preferred due both to their advantageous method of manufacture and to their extensive availability on the market.

In the case of catalytic systems formed of an organometallic compound of aluminum having the formula Me² [Al R¹ R² R³ R⁴ ]₂, such as defined above, and one or more polar compounds of the class of aprotic polar compounds, for a given concentration of an aluminum organometallic compound when the value of the molar ratio of the aprotic polar compound or compounds to the organo-aluminum compound increases, the reaction velocity and the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer formed increase without the micro-structure of the polymer being changed. This is all the more surprising, since the addition of polar compounds to organo-lithium initiators leads to a system which does not change the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer but changes the microstructure thereof.

In the case of catalytic systems formed of an organometallic compound of aluminum having the formula Me² (Me³ R¹ R² R³ R⁴)₂, as defined previously, and a polar compound selected from among those having one of the formulas R (O CH₂ CH₂)_(n) O Me¹, or (R)₂ N CH₂ CH₂ O Me¹ in which Me¹ represents an alkali metal, R represents an alkyl radical and n is a whole number, polymers and copolymers having a very high content of trans-1,4 linkages (up to 92%) and a very low content of 1,2 or 3,4 linkages, that is to say less than 4%, and which retain an elastomeric character can be obtained. The copolymers of butadiene and styrene (SBR) thus obtained have a resistance to elongation similar to that of natural rubber when in crude state (nonvulcanized) and when filled in accordance with the customary formulations used for the manufacture of the automobile tires.

The homopolymerization of copolymerization reaction is carried out either in an inert hydrocarbon solvent which may, for instance, be an aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon, such as pentane, hexane, heptane, iso-octane, cyclohexane, or an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, or in bulk polymerization.

The reaction is generally carried out at a temperature of between 50° C. and 120° C. and preferably between 80° C. and 100° C., under a pressure which corresponds to the vapor pressure of the reagents. The process of the invention can be carried out batch-wise or continuously.

The process not only makes it possible to obtain high yields of macromolecular compounds per unit of weight of the catalytic system but it also makes it possible to regulate to the desired extent the molecular weight of the homopolymers or copolymers prepared.

The process furthermore makes it possible to obtain homopolymers or copolymers which during the reaction can give rise to grafting reactions with all reagents capable of reacting with living polymers.

As representative examples of conjugated dienes which are suitable for the homopolymerization and copolymerization mention may be made of 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene and 2-ethyl butadiene.

As representative examples of suitable vinyl aromatic compounds mention may be made of styrene; ortho-, meta-, and para-methyl styrene; di- and polymethylstyrene; para-tert-butylstyrene; the vinyl naphthalenes; the methoxystyrenes; the halostyrenes; and divinylbenzene.

The products obtained by the process of preparation employing the catalytic system in accordance with the invention furthermore have a broad molecular weight distribution and a high intrinsic viscosity, that is to say sufficient so that the products can be used as the principal component of mixes serving for the manufacture of pneumatic tires, and a microstructure which may vary extremely. As a matter of fact, the content of trans-1,4 linkages may be between 20% and 90% and the content of 1,2-linkages may be between 1% and 60%. Furthermore, these products are very well suited for mechanical working on tools.

The invention will be fully understood from the following examples which, by way of illustration, describe special manners for carrying it out. In all the examples the intrinsic viscosities were determined at 25° C. in solution of 1 g. per liter in toluene, the concentrations of catalysts are expressed in micromols per 100 g. of monomers and the homopolymerization or copolymerization reactions were stopped when the rate of conversion reached 80% (except in Examples 19, 23 and 27), by addition of methanol in suitable quantities (1%). The percentages of trans-1,4 linkages and 1,2 linkages are expressed with reference to the polybutadiene portion while the percentage of styrene is expressed with reference to the total amount of polymer obtained.

EXAMPLE 1

Two liters of heptane were introduced as solvent into a reactor under the pressure of rectified nitrogen whereupon 205 g. of butadiene and 69 g. of styrene were introduced and the temperature was increased to 80° C. The catalytic system formed of Ba [Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in variable quantities was then introduced in succession in four tests. When the rate of conversion was reached, the reaction was stopped and the copolymer recovered.

The results of the four tests are set forth in the following table:

                                      TABLE                                        __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System       SBR Copolymers                                          Test             Reaction                                                                             Intrinsic                                                                            Steric                                            No. Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                    THF Time  Viscosity                                                                            Configuration                                     __________________________________________________________________________                                  % tr.                                                                               %  % Sty.                                                                 1,4  1,2                                                                               Incorp.                                   T   1820     0   40 hr.                                                                               0.8   85   3  15                                        1   1100     1100                                                                                8 hr.                                                                               1.6   81   3  15                                                         30 min.                                                       2   1100     2200                                                                                6 hr.                                                                               2.1   80   3  16                                        3   1100     4400                                                                                4 hr.                                                                                2.45 80   4  16                                        __________________________________________________________________________

It was found that the reaction time is 5 to 10 times less (Test T versus Tests 1-3) and that when the value of the molar ratio of THF to Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ increases, the reaction velocity and the intrinsic viscosity of the SBR copolymer increase while the microstructure of the SBR copolymer remains unchanged.

EXAMPLE 2

Four tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 1 with different catalytic systems. The results are set forth in Table II below:

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System           SBR Copolymers                                      Test                 Reaction                                                                             Intrinsic                                                                            Steric                                        No.                                                                               Organometallic Compound                                                                      THF Time  Viscosity                                                                            Configuration                                 __________________________________________________________________________                                      % tr.                                                                               %  % Sty.                                                                 1,4  1,2                                                                               Incorp.                               1  Ca[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                      640                                                                               1920                                                                                3 hr.                                                                               1.3   73   7  10                                    2  Sr[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                     1100                                                                               3500                                                                                2 hr.                                                                               1.4   73   7  12                                                         20 min.                                                   3  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                     1100                                                                               3300                                                                                4 hr.                                                                               2.25  80   4  16                                                         30 min.                                                   4  Ba[Al(isoC.sub.4 H.sub.9).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   860                                                                               2580                                                                                2 hr.                                                                               1     74   5  15                                    __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 3

Three tests were carried out. Into a 250 ml. Steinie bottle under pressure of rectified nitrogen there were introduced 100 ml. of heptane as solvent and 13.6 g. butadiene. The catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and methanol was then introduced. The bottle was placed in a thermostatically controlled tank at 80° C. in which it was agitated.

At the end of the reaction, the polybutadiene was recovered in ordinary manner. The results are set forth in Table III below.

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System Reac-   Polybutadiene                                         Test             Meth-   tion  Intrinsic                                                                             Steric                                   No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                       anol    Time  Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                            ______________________________________                                                                               % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                1    1100         74     7 hr. 1.64   86    3                                  2    1100        222     6 hr. 1.59   84    3                                  3    1100        444     5 hr. 1.50   81    3                                  ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 4

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using similar conditions except that a catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and water was employed. The results are set forth in Table IV below.

                  TABLE IV                                                         ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System         Polybutadiene                                         Test                    Reaction                                                                              Intrinsic                                                                             Steric                                   No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                       H.sub.2 O                                                                             Time   Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                            ______________________________________                                                                               % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                1    1100        440    17 hr. 1.55   87    2                                  ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 5

Three tests were conducted, the reaction being carried out in a reactor under pressure of rectified nitrogen. Two liters of heptane were introduced as solvent followed by 191 g. of butadiene and 82 g. of styrene. The temperature was increased to 80° C. and the catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and of lithium isopropylate was added. At the end of the reaction, the copolymer was recovered in a customary manner. The results are set forth in Table V below.

                                      TABLE V                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System       SBR Copolymers                                          Test       Lithium                                                                               Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                             No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   Isopropylate                                                                          Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                      __________________________________________________________________________                                 % tr.                                                                              %  % Sty.                                                                  1,4 1,2                                                                               Incorp.                                     1  340     2400   4 hr.                                                                               3    83  4  21                                          2  380     2600   4 hr.                                                                               2.6  83  3  20                                          3  550     1380   4 hr.                                                                               1.7  81  4  23                                          __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 6

Two tests were carried out. Two liters of solvent (heptane) followed by 205 g. of butadiene and 69 g. of styrene were introduced into a reactor under the pressure of rectified nitrogen. The temperature was brought to 80° C. and then the components of the catalytic system, i.e., N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMED) and Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂, were introduced one after the other. The results are set forth in Table VI below:

                                      TABLE VI                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System     SBR Copolymers                                            Test            Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                               No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   TMED Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                        __________________________________________________________________________                               % tr.                                                                              %  % Sty.                                                                  1,4 1,2                                                                               Incorp.                                       1  2440    1220  5 hr.                                                                              0.8  84  4  15                                                            45 min.                                                        2  2440    2440  5 hr.                                                                              1.5  81  4  16                                            __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 7

Two liters of heptane, 205 g. of butadiene and 69 g. of styrene were introduced into a reactor under pressure of rectified nitrogen whereupon the temperature was increased to 80° C. and 4-methylpyridine or γ-picoline and Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ were added one after the other. The results are set forth in Table VII below.

                                      TABLE VII                                    __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System   SBR Copolymers                                                            Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                                 Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   γ-picoline                                                                     Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                          __________________________________________________________________________                             % tr.                                                                              %  % Sty.                                                                  1,4 1,2                                                                               Incorp.                                         1100    1100   1 hr.                                                                         40 min.                                                                             1.30 60  7  18                                              __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 8

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using the catalytic system of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and acetonitrile. The results are set forth in Table VIII below.

                  TABLE VIII                                                       ______________________________________                                                              Polybutadiene                                             Catalytic System   Re-              Steric                                     Test                       action                                                                               Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                       Acetonitrile                                                                             Time  Viscosity                                                                             uration                                ______________________________________                                                                                 % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                               1    1100         74        3 hr.                                                                               1.6    77   3                                                            45 min.                                             2    1100        222        3 hr.                                                                               1.7    75   5                                                            15 min.                                             ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 9

Three tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using similar conditions except that acetone and Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ were used as the catalytic system. The results are set forth in Table IX below:

                  TABLE IX                                                         ______________________________________                                                             Polybutadiene                                              Catalytic System               Stearic                                         Test             Ace-    Reaction                                                                              Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                 No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                       tone    Time   Viscosity                                                                             uration                                 ______________________________________                                                                                % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                               1    1100         74      7 hr. 1.6    82    3                                 2    1100        222      6 hr. 1.8    78    3                                                          30 min.                                               3    1100        444      5 hr. 2.0    75    4                                                          30 min.                                               ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 10

The procedure of Example 3 was repeated using similar conditions except that thiodiisobutyl and Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ were used as the catalytic system. The results are set forth in Table X below.

                  TABLE X                                                          ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System         Polybutadiene                                                   Thiodi-  Reaction  Intrinsic                                                                             Stearic                                    Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                     isobutyl Time      Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                              ______________________________________                                                                             % tr.  %                                                                       1,4    1,2                                 1100      222      22 hr.    1.50   85     2                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 11

Three tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using similar conditions except that hexamethylphosphorotriamide (HMPT) and Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ were used as the catalytic system. The results are set forth in Table XI below:

                  TABLE XI                                                         ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System Re-     Polybutadiene                                         Test                     action                                                                               Intrinsic                                                                             Stearic                                  No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                       HMPT    Time  Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                            ______________________________________                                                                                % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                               1    1100        222      3 hr.                                                                               1.55    82    2                                 2    1100        444      2 hr.                                                                               1.68    80    3                                                          15 min.                                               3    1100        888      2 hr.                                                                               2.48    78    3                                 ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 12

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using similar conditions except that a catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₃ OR]₂, OR being the nonylphenate radical, and lithium isopropylate were used. The results are set forth in Table XII below:

                  TABLE XII                                                        ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System           Polybutadiene                                                         Lithium  Re-          Steric                                 Test              Isopro-  action                                                                               Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                No.  Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3 OR ].sub.2                                                     pylate   Time  Viscosity                                                                             uration                                ______________________________________                                                                                 % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                               1    1450         2900     18 hr.                                                                               1.15   76   4                                 2    1450         5800     17 hr.                                                                               1.33   78   4                                 ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions the use of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₃ OR]₂ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 13

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using similar conditions except that Li Al(C₂ H₅)₄ and lithium isopropylate were used as the catalytic system. The results are set forth in Table XIII below:

                  TABLE XIII                                                       ______________________________________                                                              Polybutadiene                                             Catalytic System   Re-              Steric                                     Test            Lithium Iso-                                                                              action                                                                               Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                No.  Li Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                              propylate  Time  Viscosity                                                                             uration                                ______________________________________                                                                                 % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                               1    1450        725        3 hr.                                                                               1.22   60   8                                                            30 min.                                             2    1450       1450        3 hr.                                                                               1.24   60   8                                                            30 min.                                             ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions, the use either of Li Al(C₂ H₅)₄ alone or of lithium isopropylate alone did not lead to any trace of polymer even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 14

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 and using Li Al(C₂ H₅)₄, lithium isopropylate and barium nonylphenate as components of the catalytic system. The results are set forth in Table XIV below:

                  TABLE XIV                                                        ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System           Polybutadiene                                                Barium   Lithium  Re-          Steric                                          Nonyl-   Isopro-  action                                                                               Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                Li Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                            phenate  pylate   Time  Viscosity                                                                             uration                                ______________________________________                                                                                 % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                               1450     725      2900      1 hr.                                                                         30 min.                                                                              2.3    79   4                                 ______________________________________                                    

As compared with the preceding Example 13, the addition of the barium nonylphenate had the effect of orienting the microstructure.

EXAMPLE 15

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of Li Al(C₂ H₅)₄, and sodium tert-amylate. The results are set forth in Table XV below:

                  TABLE XV                                                         ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System         Polybutadiene                                                  Sodium Tert-                                                                              Reaction Intrinsic                                                                             Steric                                     Li Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                            amylate    Time     Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                              ______________________________________                                                                             % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                  1450     2900       14 hr.   3.30   34    36                                   ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 16

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 except that a catalytic system formed of Na Al(C₂ H₅)₄ and potassium tert-amylate (ROK) was used. The results are set forth in Table XVI below:

                  TABLE XVI                                                        ______________________________________                                                             Polybutadiene                                                                  In-                                                        Catalytic System          trinsic                                              Test                     Reaction                                                                              Vis-  Steric                                   No.  Na Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                              ROK      Time   cosity                                                                               Configuration                            ______________________________________                                                                               % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                1    1450        725     5 hr.  3.12  37    38                                 2    1450       1450     5 hr.  2.55  40    36                                 ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions the use of Na Al(C₂ H₅)₄ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 17

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 except that a catalytic system formed of K Al(C₂ H₅)₄ and potassium tert-amylate (ROK) was used. The results are set forth in Table XVII below:

                  TABLE XVII                                                       ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System         Polybutadiene                                         Test                    Reaction                                                                              Intrinsic                                                                             Steric                                   No.  KAl(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                                ROK     Time   Viscosity                                                                             Configuration                            ______________________________________                                                                               % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                1    1450       360      4 hr. 1.37   50    26                                                         30 min.                                                ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions the use of KAl (C₂ H₅)₄ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 18

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of ##STR1## and barium nonylphenate.

The results are set forth in Table XVIII below:

                                      TABLE XVIII                                  __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System            Polybutadiene                                       ##STR2##       Barium Nonyl- phenate                                                                  Reaction Time                                                                       Intrinsic Viscosity                                                                 Steric Configuration                         __________________________________________________________________________                                      % tr.                                                                              %                                                                          1,4 1,2                                       1450           725     10 hr.                                                                              1.6  80  4                                         __________________________________________________________________________

Under the same conditions, the use of ##STR3## by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 19

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 employing a catalytic system cosisting of LiOAl(C₂ H₅)₂ and barium nonylphenate. The polymerization reaction was stopped when the conversion rate reached 60% instead of 80%. The results are set forth in Table XIX below.

                  TABLE XIX                                                        ______________________________________                                                            Polybutadiene                                               Catalytic System  Reac-            Steric                                                Barium Nonyl-                                                                              tion    Intrinsic                                                                             Config-                                   Li O Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2                                                           phenate     Time    Viscosity                                                                             uration                                   ______________________________________                                                                              % tr. %                                                                        1,4   1,2                                 2960      740         5 hr.   1.9    63    6                                   ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions the use of LiOAl(C₂ H₅)₂ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 20

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of Li[Al(C₂ H₅)₃ O Al(C₂ H₅)₂ ] and lithium isopropylate. The results are set forth in Table XX below.

                                      TABLE XX                                     __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System            Polybutadiene                                      Test            Lithium Iso-                                                                          Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                        No.                                                                               Li[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3 O Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2 ]                                  propylate                                                                             Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                 __________________________________________________________________________                                      % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                                      1  1100         370     5 hr.                                                                              1.78 58   9                                                               30 min.                                                 2  1100         1100    5 hr.                                                                              1.95 59   9                                                               30 min.                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Under the same conditions the use of Li[Al(C₂ H₅)₃ O Al(C₂ H₅)₂ ] by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 21

Two tests were carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of Al(C₂ H₅)₃, lithium isopropylate, and barium nonylphenate. The results are set forth in Table XXI below:

                                      TABLE XXI                                    __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System             Polybutadiene                                     Test     Lithium Iso-                                                                          Barium Nonyl-                                                                          Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                       No.                                                                               Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3                                                            propylate                                                                             phenate Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                __________________________________________________________________________                                       % tr.                                                                              %                                                                          1,4 1,2                                      1  2900  3600   360     5 hr.                                                                               1.7  88  3                                        2  2900  3600   720     5 hr.                                                                               1.35 85  3                                        __________________________________________________________________________

Under the same conditions the use of Al(C₂ H₅)₃ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer, even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 22

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 except that a catalytic system consisting of Li B(C₂ H₅)₃ C₄ H₉ and barium nonylphenate was used. The results are set forth in Table XXII below:

                  TABLE XXII                                                       ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System           Polybutadiene                                                         Barium   Reac-        Steric                                 Test              Nonyl-   tion  Intrinsic                                                                             Config- -No. Li B(C.sub.2                                                      H.sub.5).sub.3 C.sub.4 H.sub.9 phe                                             nate Time Viscosity uration            ______________________________________                                                                                 % tr.                                                                               %                                                                         1,4  1,2                               1    5900         100      4 hr. 1.6    83   3                                 ______________________________________                                    

Under the same conditions the use of Li B(C₂ H₅)₃ C₄ H₉ by itself did not lead to any trace of polymer even after 48 hours of reaction.

EXAMPLE 23

A mixture of heptane, butadiene and styrene having a weight ratio of monomers to solvent of 1:5 and of butadiene to styrene of 3:1 was introduced continously into a reactor. Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and lithium isopropylate were also introduced continuously in a molar ratio of 1:10 with such a speed that there was 960 μ mols of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ in the reactor for 100 g. of monomers and that there was an average time of stay in the reactor of 11/2 hours. The copolymerization was effected at 90° C. and the reaction was stopped when the percentage conversion reached was 60% rather than 80%. The copolymer was recovered at the outlet of the reactor. It contained 16% styrene and had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.64, a trans-1,4 linkage content of 81% and a 1,2 linkage content of 3%.

EXAMPLE 24

Two liters of heptane, 191 g. of butadiene and 82 g. of styrene were introduced into a reactor under the pressure of rectified nitrogen and the temperature was increased to 80° C. There was then added in succession the catalytic system formed of 460 μ mols of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ per 100 g. of monomers and 1380 μ mols per 100 g. of monomers of lithium isopropylate. When the rate of conversion reached 80% (2 hours), 50 cc. of copolymer were recovered in customary manner and the reaction stopped by the addition of methanol. An amount of diphenyl carbonate (CDP) was then added to the reactor such that the ratio of CDP : Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ was equal to 0.5:1.

The copolymer obtained was recovered by a conventional method. The microstructure of the copolymer obtained before grafting and of the grafted copolymer was: 81% trans-1,4 linkages, 4% of 1,2 linkages and 24% incorporated styrene.

The intrinsic viscosity of the ungrafted copolymer was 1.7 and that of the grafted copolymer was 2.6.

EXAMPLE 25

(1) Preparation of the Copolymer

Two liters of heptane, 191 g. of butadiene and 82 g. of styrene were introduced into a reactor under the pressure of rectified nitrogen whereupon the temperature was increased to 80° C. The catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and lithium isopropylate was then gradually added. When a rate of conversion of 80% had been reached, the reaction was stopped and the copolymer recovered in customary manner. The elastomer obtained was then diluted with 37.5 parts of aromatic oil (Exarol MX 140, marketed by Compagnie Francaise de Raffinage) per 100 parts of dry elastomer. The results are set forth in Table XXV A.

                                      TABLE XXV A                                  __________________________________________________________________________                         SBR Steric Configuration                                                       Intrinsic                                                                      Viscosity                                                  Catalytic System    Before                                                                             After                                                          Lithium Iso-                                                                          Reaction                                                                            Dilution                                                                               % tr.                                                                             % % Styr.                                       Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   propylate                                                                             Time With the Oil                                                                           1,4                                                                               1,2                                                                              Incorp.                                       __________________________________________________________________________     1000    7100    5 hr.                                                                              2.67                                                                               1.96                                                                               84 4 22                                                           30 min.                                                         __________________________________________________________________________

(2) Rubber Making Mix:

The elastomer described above was used to form a mixture having the following formula in parts by weight:

100 --Elastomer diluted with 37.5 parts of aromatic oil

2 --Stearic acid

3 --ZnO

1 --antioxidant (Santoflex 13: N-(dimethyl,3-butyl N'-phenyl-p-phenylene diamine)

50 --HAF Black (Philblack O)

5 --aromatic oil (Sundex 8125, PM 380, density 0.995 marketed by Sun Oil)

1 --Santocure (N-cyclohexyl-mercaptobenzothiazole sulfenamide)

1.8 --Sulfur

The same mixture was prepared with a butadiene/styrene copolymer (SBR 1712) available on the market as a control. The two mixtures were then vulcanized for 60 minutes at 144° C.

The mechanical properties obtained are set forth in Table XXV B below:

                  TABLE XXV B                                                      ______________________________________                                                            Control                                                     Properties         (SBR 1712)   Test SBR                                       ______________________________________                                         Modulus at 100% elongation                                                                        16           14.9                                           (kg/cm.sup.2)                                                                  Modulus at 300% elongation                                                                        67.5         58                                             (kg/cm.sup.2)                                                                  Hysteresis loss at 60° C.                                                                  29           24.6                                           Index of coefficient of                                                                           100          84                                              friction at 20° C. (SRT)                                               Scott rupture index                                                             elongation at rupture (%)                                                                        570          540                                             rupture force (kg/cm.sup.2)                                                                      231          222                                             Shore A hardness  62           60                                             ______________________________________                                    

SBR 1712 is a butadiene/styrene copolymer comprising 23.5% styrene, 15-16% of 1,2 linkages, 60% of trans-1,4 linkages and 37.5 parts of aromatic oil.

It was found that the elastomer in accordance with the invention has properties substantially equal to those of the above conventional copolymer. It can be used as the principal component of a mix for the manufacture of pneumatic tires.

EXAMPLE 26

This example relates to the preparation of butadiene/styrene copolymers; six tests were carried out.

The copolymerization was effected in a reactor in an inert atmosphere (rectified nitrogen) at 80° C. in the presence of heptane as solvent. The weight ratio of monomers to solvent was 1:5. The reaction was stopped when the rate of conversion reached 80%. The conditions of the tests and the results obtained are set forth in Table XXVI.

                  TABLE XXVI                                                       ______________________________________                                         Catalytic System                                                                             Test Nos.                                                        ______________________________________                                         Ba [Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2 and                                      C.sub.2 H.sub.5 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.2 OLi                                               1      2      3    4    5    6                                   Molar ratio Li/Ba                                                                            1      1      1.5  1.5  2    2                                   Initial styrene content                                                                       24     32     24   32   24   32                                 (% by weight)                                                                  Quantity of   730    600    910  750  400  1300                                Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                           Reaction time (in                                                                            140    200    190  270  270  330                                 minutes)                                                                       Copolymers                                                                     Intrinsic Viscosity                                                                           2.17   2.08   1.86                                                                                2.09                                                                               2.1   1.90                               Content of trans-1,4 (%)                                                                      85     85     87   87   90   90                                 Content of 1,2(%)                                                                            3      3      3    3    3    3                                   Content of incorporated                                                                       15     23     15   23   15   23                                 styrene (% by weight)                                                          ______________________________________                                    

On test pieces of the copolymer of Test 5 and of natural rubber (NR) filled in accordance with the formulation of Example 25 but not vulcanized, force-elongation measurements (measurement of the green strength) were carried out at 25° C. The force elongation measurements were carried out on "dumbbell" test specimens of a thickness of 2.5 mm. and effected with the use of an "Instron" electronic dynamometer 24 hours after molding and with a rate of traction of 10 cm./minute. The results obtained are set forth in the graph of the drawing, the ordinate of which represents the force exerted in g./mm² and the abscissa represents the elongation (in %). It was found that the copolymer prepared by the improved method of the invention had a resistance to elongation similar to that of natural rubber.

EXAMPLE 27

A mixture of toluene, butadiene and styrene in proportions such that the weight ratio of monomers to solvent was equal to 1:5 and the ratio of butadiene to styrene was equal to 3:1 was introduced continuously into a reactor. Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and C₂ H₅ (OCH₂ CH₂)₂ OLi were also introduced continuously in quantities such that their molar ratio was 1:2. The rate of flow was such that there were 1000 micromols of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ in the reactor per 100 g. of monomers and that an average time of stay in the reactor of 1 hour was obtained. The copolymerization was effected at 90° C. and the reaction was stopped when the percentage conversion reached was 65% rather than 80%. The copolymer formed was recovered continuously at the outlet of the reactor. It contained 15% by weight of styrene and had an intrinsic viscosity of 1.6. The content of 1,2 linkages was 3% and that of trans-1,4 linkages was 83%.

EXAMPLE 28

The catalytic system of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and (C₂ H₅)₂ NCH₂ CH₂ OLi was used. 100 ml. of heptane as solvent and 13.6 g. of butadiene were introduced into a 250 ml. Steinie bottle under the pressure of rectified nitrogen. The catalytic system was then added whereupon the bottle was placed in a tank which was thermostatically controlled at 80° C., in which it was agitated.

At the end of the reaction, when the percent of conversion reached 80%, the polybutadiene formed was recovered by an ordinary method. The results are set forth in Table XXVIII.

                                      TABLE XXVIII                                 __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System           Polybutadiene                                                             Reaction                                                 Test                  Time Intrinsic                                                                           % tr.                                                                             %                                           No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   (C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2 NCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OLi                                            (in min.)                                                                           Viscosity                                                                           1,4                                                                               1,2                                         __________________________________________________________________________     1  100     200        60   1.75 85 4                                           __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 29

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 28 and using similar conditions except that a catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and C₂ H₅ (OCH₂ CH₂)₂ ONa was used. The results are set forth in Table XXIX below:

                                      TABLE XXIX                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System          Polybutadiene                                        Test                 Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           % tr.                                                                              %                                           No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.2 ONa                                           Time Viscosity                                                                           1,4 1,2                                         __________________________________________________________________________     1      100 100       3 hr.                                                                               5    88  3                                           __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 30

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 29 and using similar conditions except that a catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and C₂ H₅ (OCH₂ CH₂)₃ OLi was employed. The results are set forth in Table XXX below:

                                      TABLE XXX                                    __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System     Reaction                                                                            Polybutadiene                                        Test                 Time Intrinsic                                                                           % tr.                                                                              %                                           No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   C.sub.2 H.sub.5 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.3 OLi                                           (in min.)                                                                           Viscosity                                                                           1,4 1,2                                         __________________________________________________________________________     1  100     100       60   2.8  80  4                                           __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 31

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of LiAl(C₂ H₅)₄ and barium nonylphenate. The results are set forth in Table XXXI below:

                                      TABLE XXXI                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System       Polybutadiene                                           Test       Barium Nonyl-                                                                         Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                             No.                                                                               Li Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4                                                          phenate Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                      __________________________________________________________________________     1  1450   725      3 hr.                                                                              1.88 % tr.                                                                              %                                                                30 min.   1,4 1,2                                                                        70  5                                              __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 32

Three tests were conducted, the reaction being carried out in a 250 ml. Steinie bottle under pressure of rectified nitrogen. There were introduced 100 ml. of heptane as solvent and 4.08g. of styrene followed by 9.68g. of butadiene. The catalytic system formed of Ba[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ]₂ and barium nonylphenate was then introduced. The bottle was placed in a thermostatically controlled tank at 80° C. in which it was agitated.

At the end of the reaction, the SBR copolymers were recovered in ordinary manner. The results are set forth in Table XXXII below:

                                      TABLE XXXII                                  __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System        SBR Copolymers                                         Test       Barium Nonyl-                                                                          Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                            No.                                                                               Ba[Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.4 ].sub.2                                                   phenate Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                     __________________________________________________________________________                                  % tr.                                                                              %  % Sty.                                                                  1,4 1,2                                                                               Incorp.                                    1  735      73     6 hr.                                                                               1.8  57  5  20                                         2  735     157     4 hr.                                                                               1.7  61  5  23                                         3  735     367     3 hr.                                                                                1.75                                                                               70  4  22                                         __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 33

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of Al(C₂ H₅)₃ and lithium isopropylate. The results are set forth in Table XXXIII below:

                                      TABLE XXXIII                                 __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System      Polybutadiene                                            Test                                                                                    Lithium Iso-                                                                           Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                            Steric                                             No.                                                                               Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3                                                            propylate                                                                              Time Viscosity                                                                            Configuration                                      __________________________________________________________________________                                 % tr.                                                                              %                                                                          1,4 1,2                                            1  2200  3200    15 hr.                                                                              1.09  59  7                                              __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 34

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of Al(C₂ H₅)₃ and (C₂ H₅ OCH₂ CH₂ O)₂ Ba, i.e., barium ethylglycolate. The results are set forth in Table XXXIV below.

                                      TABLE XXXIV                                  __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System           Polybutadiene                                       Test                  Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                         No.                                                                               Al(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3                                                            (C.sub.2 H.sub.5 OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.2 Ba                                             Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                  __________________________________________________________________________                                     % tr.                                                                              %                                                                          1,4 1,2                                        1  2950  2950         10 hr.                                                                              1.3  60  6                                          __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 35

A test was carried out repeating the procedure of Example 3 using a catalytic system consisting of NaOAl(C₂ H₅)₂ and lithium isopropylate. The results are set forth in Table XXXV below.

                                      TABLE XXXV                                   __________________________________________________________________________     Catalytic System       Polybutadiene                                           Test       Lithium                                                                               Reaction                                                                            Intrinsic                                                                           Steric                                             No.                                                                               NaOAl(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2                                                           Isopropylate                                                                          Time Viscosity                                                                           Configuration                                      __________________________________________________________________________                                 % tr.                                                                              %                                                                          1,4 1,2                                            1  1100    3300   6 hr.                                                                               1.5  42  26                                             __________________________________________________________________________ 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process of producing homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with other conjugated dienes or with vinyl aromatic compounds to form elastomeric products which comprises reacting the monomers at a temperature between 50° C. and 120° C. in the presence of a catalytic system formed of the reaction product of(a) an organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA of the Mendeleev periodic table of elements having the formula Me¹ Me³ R¹ R² R³ R⁴ in which Me¹ represents an alkali metal, Me³ represents aluminum or boron, R¹, R² and R³ represent an alkyl or aralkyl radical and R⁴ represents an alkyl or aralkyl radical or a radical XB in which X represents an oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen atom and B represents an alkyl or aralkyl radical; with (b) at least one electron-donor compound containing at least one hetero-atom and formed of the reaction product of a protic polar compound with an alkali metal or with an alkaline earth metal.
 2. The process according to claim 1 wherein the reaction is conducted in an inert hydrocarbon solvent reaction medium.
 3. The process according to claim 1 wherein the electron-donor compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds formed of the reaction product of alcohols, thiols, phenols, primary or secondary amines with an alkali metal or with an alkaline earth metal; and compounds having one of the following formulas:

    R(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n O Me.sup.1 or (R).sub.2 NCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O Me.sup.1

in which Me¹ represents an alkali metal, R represents an alkyl radical and n is a whole number.
 4. The process according to claim 1 wherein the electron-donor compound is selected from the group consisting of lithium isopropylate, barium nonylphenate, the lithium alcoholate of ethyl diglycol, and lithium, N,N-diethylamino-2-ethanolate.
 5. The process according to claim 1 wherein the molar ratio of the electron-donor compound to the organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA is between 0.01:1 and 100:1.
 6. The process according to claim 1 wherein the organometallic compound of a metal of Group IIIA is a compound selected from the group consisting of: Li[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ], Na[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ], K[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ] and Li B (C₂ H₅)₃ C₄ H₉.
 7. The process according to claim 1 wherein the catalytic system is formed of the reaction product of (a) Li[Al(C₂ H₅)₄ ] with (b) barium nonylphenate and lithium isopropylate.
 8. The process according to claim 1 wherein the catalytic system is formed of the reaction product of (a) LiB(C₂ H₅)₃ C₄ H₉ was (b) barium nonylphenate.
 9. The process according to claim 1 wherein the conjugated diene is butadiene and the vinyl aromatic compound is styrene. 